Industry Appeals for Implementation of GST Relief Policy for Scrap Steel Sector.

on 03/09/2024

The scrap steel industry has made a formal appeal to the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to implement a long-awaited policy decision concerning Goods and Services Tax (GST) relief. Industry stakeholders are urging the FBR to put this policy into action to provide much-needed financial relief to the sector.

The GST relief policy, which has been discussed for some time, aims to ease the financial pressures on the scrap steel industry by adjusting tax burdens. This policy is particularly significant given the sector’s current challenges, which include rising operational costs and market fluctuations. By enforcing this policy, the FBR would offer substantial support to businesses engaged in scrap steel processing and recycling, potentially improving their economic stability and operational efficiency.

The call for the implementation of this policy highlights a crucial moment for the scrap steel industry, reflecting its need for favorable regulatory conditions to ensure continued growth and competitiveness. The industry’s appeal underscores the broader conversation between private sector entities and government bodies about fiscal policies and their impacts on various sectors.

As the FBR considers this request, industry representatives and observers are closely watching the developments. The successful implementation of the GST relief policy could mark a significant step forward in supporting the sector and addressing the financial challenges it faces.

Imran Maniar Resigns as CEO and Managing Director of Sui Southern Gas Company

on 03/09/2024

Imran Maniar has officially stepped down from his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director (MD) of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC). This decision brings to a close his period of leadership at the company. While the precise reasons for his resignation have not been disclosed, it represents a significant shift in the management structure of SSGC.

During his tenure, Maniar oversaw various initiatives and challenges facing the company, which is a key player in Pakistan’s energy sector. His resignation prompts SSGC to initiate a search for a new CEO and MD to steer the company forward.

As of now, the company has not provided any further details about the transition process or potential candidates for the position. Stakeholders and industry observers will be keenly watching how SSGC handles this leadership change and what it means for the company’s future direction.

Lifelong Dedication to Engineering Excellence Why should Dr. Aneel Kumar be the first choice?

on 20/08/2024

Engr. Prof. Dr. Aneel Kumar is a distinguished figure in the Pakistani engineering landscape, having made significant contributions to both academia and industry. Currently serving as the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro, his career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to education, research, and professional development. His involvement in the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has been instrumental in shaping the future of engineering in Pakistan.
Engr. Prof. Dr. Aneel Kumar’s academic contributions are equally impressive. As a prolific researcher, he has made significant strides in the fields of sub-soil investigations, foundation design, soil stabilization, and sustainable construction materials. His over 100 research journal publications and presentations at international conferences have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim. His expertise in geotechnical engineering is evidenced by his involvement in numerous high-profile projects.
In addition to his research, Engr. Dr. Aneel Kumar has been an exemplary mentor and educator. He has guided countless Masters and Ph.D. students, shaping the next generation of engineers. His dedication to teaching and research has earned him the respect and admiration of colleagues, students, and the broader academic community.
Engr. Dr. Aneel Kumar’s impact extends beyond the realm of academia. As a dedicated member of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), he has been instrumental in advancing the engineering profession nationwide. His contributions are evident in his roles on the PEC Governing Body, Engineering Professional Development Committee, Engineering Accreditation Board, Academia-Industry Linkage Committee, and Engineering Curriculum and Review Development Committee. Through these platforms, Prof. Kumar has been at the forefront of several transformative initiatives.
Engr. Dr. Aneel Kumar ‘s exceptional contributions to the engineering field have culminated in the prestigious National Engineering Excellence Award, 2024. His unwavering dedication to professional growth, coupled with his proven leadership and expertise, make him an invaluable asset to the Pakistan Engineering Council and the wider engineering community.n

Need for Reforms in Pakistan Engineering Council

on 20/08/2024

There has been significant criticism and reservations from engineers regarding the role of PEC in addressing professional engineers’ issues in the past. However, the outgoing council, particularly Chairman Mr. Najeeb Haroon, has made notable contributions, including important steps to provide job opportunities for fresh engineering graduates through stipends and other initiatives. Additionally, efforts have been made to minimize corruption by introducing digital technology into daily operations. Nevertheless, there remains room for improvement.
Here are my suggestions for the new team to enhance the functioning of PEC through changes in the bylaws:
Representation of Young Engineers: Engineers aged up to 35 years should be given representation. This will foster a liaison between young and senior professional engineers, thereby increasing the participation and involvement of younger engineers.
Term Limits for Office Bearers: The terms for office bearers and Governing Body (GB) members should be limited to a maximum of two terms. The chairman and vice chairman should also be restricted to two terms; after this, they should be barred from participating in any forums or committees of PEC. This change will improve the functioning of regulatory bodies, reduce poor governance and corruption, and introduce new perspectives into PEC.
Representation from Academia: Academic representation should be limited to 25%. This will ensure a balanced perspective and prevent academic interests from dominating the council’s decisions.
Exclusion of Government Servants: Government servants should not be allowed to become office bearers. This will help maintain the impartiality of the regulatory body, ensure merit-based decisions, and discourage institutional influence. Government servants should focus on their primary duties as public servants.

Dr. Vali Uddin: A Strategic Planner and Expert Implementor

on 20/08/2024

Prof. Dr. Vali Uddin joined UIT University, Karachi as Vice Chancellor on 10 June 2024 after serving Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology as Vice Chancellor from 10 July 2019 to 30 May 2024.
Earlier, he worked with some of the prestigious national engineering organizations as Engineer and also taught at reputed universities at home and the USA. He has published/presented more than 75 research papers in International Research Journals and Conferences. With an excellent academic career, he did his Bachelors with First Class First Position; acquired government scholarship and went on to do his Masters and PhD in Engineering from the USA. He has vast working experience and knowledge about all tiers of University level academic and administrative positions. Under his stewardship as the Vice Chancellor, Sir Syed University underwent a process of culture change, academic reforms, and massive revitalization along with vast international linkages for collaboration in research and development while acquiring also funding from European Union. Consequently, Sir Syed University obtained consecutively Brand of the Year Award 2021, 2022 and 2023 from the Brands Foundation, the most credible recognition body for brands in Pakistan for the University, indicating university’s popularity, strong market standing, sound profile and the majority of the customers’ preference. Moreover, the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) placed at 48th of Top 100 among the World University Rankings for Innovation in the category of Student Mobility and Openness.
As Vice Chancellor of Sir Syed University, Dr. Vali Uddin was earlier honored at the Academic Award Forum with the “Leadership and Management Award” in September 2022. For his persistent commitment to quality education in engineering and meritorious outstanding contribution in the higher education sector in the national interest, Prof. Dr. Vali Uddin was decorated with Gold Medal by the Honorable Mohammad Kamran Khan Tessori, the Governor of Sindh in October 2023.
Dr. Vali has a vast experience of Strategic Planning and Implementation, Academic, Financial & Human Resource Planning of Large University and has working experience and knowledge of all tiers of University level positions (Academic and Administrative).
He has 25+ years’ experience of Heading Faculty and Departments as well as Post-PhD Research and Teaching experience along with supervising research at Graduate and Doctorate level.
Apart from teaching, Dr. Vali has extensive experience of curriculum development of Bachelor, Masters and Doctorate level in Engineering and Information Technology. He has also experience of policy and procedure development related to academics and academic administration as well as experience of development and implementation of Campus Management System. He is well versed with the requirement of HEC and different regulatory bodies (PEC, PMDC, PBC, PCP, NCEAC, NACTE etc.) as well as higher education system of Pakistan and the USA.